Effect of Pb3O4 nanocomposite on the structural, optical, and radiation shielding properties of PVA Films

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of lead tetroxide nanoparticles (Pb3O4 NPs) on the properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA films were prepared by a conventional casting method, with varying concentrations of Pb3O4 NPs (0, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9 wt %). A significant increase in the crystallinity of the PVA film with increasing Pb3O4 NPs concentrations and the uniform distribution of Pb3O4 NPs on the surface of the films were demonstrated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Optical characterizations revealed increased light absorption and decreased light transmittance with increasing Pb3O4 concentration. Among the significant optical results, the band gap energy of the samples decreased from 4.95 to 3.77 eV for pure PVA and PVA/9% Pb3O4. The radiation blocking capabilities of the PVA films were investigated experimentally using a NaI (Tl) detector and theoretically using Phy-X/PSD software in the gamma-ray energy range (0.511–1.332) MeV. The experimental and theoretical results were consistent, highlighting that higher concentrations of Pb3O4 improve the effectiveness of PVA films in reducing gamma ray penetration. Thus, the control of the filler concentrations to enhance the shielding properties will open up a new strategy to synthesize novel materials for radiation applications.